At Mass General Brigham for Children at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is preparing for its annual Halloween celebration with a western-themed event this year. Premature infants will don costumes as cowboys and cowgirls, marking their first Halloween and symbolizing their resilience in what staff refer to as "their first rodeo." The NICU team begins planning costumes as early as June and has previously chosen themes such as Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, and Monsters Inc.

Elisa Abdulhayoglu, medical director of the NICU, emphasized the strength of the newborns despite the challenges they face. “A lot of people think that the newborn intensive care unit can be a sad place, and it can be,” she said, “but babies are ounce for ounce, pound for pound, stronger than any adult on the planet.”

The NICU’s special Halloween efforts bring meaningful moments to families coping with the stress of having their babies in intensive care. Madisen Glaze, whose twin sons Gavin and Wyatt were born at 22 weeks gestation, shared her experience. Because the hospital near her New Hampshire home did not treat such premature deliveries, the family relocated to Boston for care. The twins, each weighing about one pound at birth, spent months in the NICU.

Glaze, who stayed near the hospital by temporarily relocating to Boston, spent much of her time reading Harry Potter books to her sons at their bedside. Noticing this, Abdulhayoglu arranged a Harry Potter-themed photo shoot for Glaze and the twins, creating lasting memories amid the challenges of the NICU stay. “They’re such happy memories,” Glaze said, reflecting on the experience and the support she received from the medical team.

Another family found comfort through NICU celebrations as well. Sarah Tuyo’s son, Nigel, who was born at 32 weeks and spent 50 days in the NICU, participated in themed events including one honoring basketball player Jaylen Brown. Nigel’s Halloween costume was Cookie Monster. Tuyo said that these moments helped her feel a sense of normalcy during a difficult time, and she often revisited photos when she could not be at the hospital.

Abdulhayoglu highlighted the importance of including NICU babies in traditional celebrations. “What do other families that have babies at home do? They dress them up,” she said. “We can dress up NICU babies too so that you don’t miss that first Halloween experience.”

Families described the NICU as more than a medical facility, emphasizing the community formed there. Tuyo continues to maintain contact with nurses who provided support throughout her son’s hospitalization. Similarly, Glaze remains close with Abdulhayoglu, who has attended the twins’ birthday parties since their discharge. Now three years old, Gavin and Wyatt are reportedly healthy and thriving. “We’re very, very lucky,” Glaze said.